RELIABILITY MAKES CASE BACKHOES GOOD AS GOLD

From his first Case loader backhoe 30 years ago to his brand new Case 580 Super R Series 3 loader backhoe, Victorian earthmoving contractor, Darren Rice, says he chooses Case equipment for its reliability.

"We're still using our 30-year-old Case 580B backhoe today. We belt the hell out of our backhoes and they are still as good as gold," said Darren. "We bought a new Case 580 Super R Series 3 backhoe about a year ago and I didn't even bother to look at other brands. We know what the Case machines can do, they're just so reliable."

The Case 580 Super R Series 3 backhoe has joined the 580B and a nine-year-old Case 580 SL backhoe doing a variety of jobs including drainage, earthworks and roadworks in Darren's company, Leech Earthmoving. For the past 18 months, the team has worked on the $300 million Don KR/George Westons smallgoods factory in Castlemaine.

"We have had a rock-breaker on the Case 580 SL backhoe for the past 18 months. The work it does can't get any harder and, apart from regular maintenance, it hasn't missed a beat," said Darren. "We don't have to worry about breakdowns and loss of productivity.

"The Case 580 Super R Series 3 backhoe hasn't faulted since we got it over a year ago. My guys fight over who is operating it each day. It's nice to operate, it's new and has all the mod cons, so they love it."

Case's 580 Super R Series 3 backhoes are built to combine stability in all terrains, with a choice of either mechanical PowerShuttle or PowerShift transmission. It is equipped with a powerful 4.5-litre Tier 3 turbo engine rated at 72 kW (95 Hp).

The hydraulics have been designed with ease of serviceability in mind, with three pressure control checks grouped together, making an easier and more immediate diagnosis possible in any situation.

Ease of service also extends to daily maintenance, with a tilting hood providing easy engine access from ground level. Sight gauges allow for easy and quick daily checks of hydraulic oil and coolant levels.

Operator comfort is assured, with the electronic foot and hand throttle and one touch idle control simplifying operation.

The cab features excellent all round visibility with floor-to-roof glass. The ergonomically placed controls ensure the operator can easily concentrate on the job at hand and low noise levels ensure comfortable operation.

"Case machines are far superior to any other brands we've tried. They are just built stronger," concluded Darren.